County officials address $28K budget shortfall for Connorsville bridge project

In a recent meeting of the Dunn County Highway Committee, officials gathered to discuss critical updates regarding highway construction and safety improvements. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency as committee members navigated budget adjustments and future planning for the county's roadways.

One of the primary topics was the County Road B project near Connorsville, where a bridge replacement has exceeded its initial budget. The project, which was originally set to be funded at a percentage, has now revealed a shortfall of approximately $140,000. As a result, the county is required to cover 20% of this difference, amounting to an unexpected $28,000 expense. This additional cost was not accounted for in the current budget, prompting discussions on potential adjustments to accommodate this financial burden.

Despite the setback, committee members expressed optimism about potential cost savings from other road projects. The hope is that these savings could offset the unexpected expenses, allowing the committee to manage the budget without requesting additional funds from the county.

Another significant point of discussion was the long-term safety improvements planned for County Road D, which runs north of Tanner Town Hall to a high bridge crossing the Hay River. This stretch of road has been identified as needing enhancements to improve safety and reduce accidents. The committee is in the final stages of a safety plan, supported by a grant aimed at addressing these issues. The plan includes widening the roadway, clearing trees, and adding safety features such as rumble strips and signage.

The design phase for these improvements is projected to take two years, with the committee considering outsourcing the design work. However, funding for this phase has not yet been secured, and discussions are ongoing about how to allocate resources effectively.

As the meeting concluded, the committee acknowledged the increasing traffic on County Road D, which currently sees about 1,200 vehicles daily. With projections indicating that this number could rise significantly in the coming years, the urgency for safety improvements is clear. The committee is committed to addressing these challenges head-on, ensuring that Dunn County's roadways remain safe and efficient for all users.